Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation
- 1.d4f5
- 2.c4Nf6
- 3.g3e6
- 4.Bg2Be7
- 5.Nf3O-O
- 6.O-Od6
- 7.Nc3Qe8
553 games
Classical Dutch line in which 7...Qe8 readies the black queen for kingside action; a double-edged system where White keeps a slight edge.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation
The Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation is Black's 7...Qe8 in the Classical Dutch. The queen move prepares a transfer to h5 or g6 for kingside play, often combined with the ...e5 break. White's most frequent reply is 8. Re1, the Winter Variation, which prepares e4. Alternatives are 8. Qc2, the Alatortsev-Lisitsyn Line, and 8. b3, the Modern Main Line. Engines rate White's position as slightly better.